About Us
SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) is the industry association for suppliers to the sewn products industry, which includes apparel, upholstered furniture, home textiles, transportation interiors, leather goods, footwear, industrial textiles, and more.
These suppliers are manufacturers and distributors of machinery, systems, technology, supply chain solutions, equipment, and related parts and supplies, along with other products and services used for the development, manufacture, or distribution of sewn products.
Meet Our Board
The Officers and Board of Directors are responsible for policy direction, with day-to-day administration by the President.
Active member participation is important to guarantee the effectiveness of the Association in representing the interests of the members and the sewn products industry. Participation provides SPESA members with a broader perspective of both the industry and the Association at large.
Ad hoc committees are appointed by the Board and/or Chairman to oversee specific projects.
Ed Gribbin
Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
Gribbin Strategic
Merion Station, PA
Mark Hatton
Vice Chairman of the Board
Vice President Sales
American & Efird
Mount Holly, NC
Daniella Ambrogi
SPESA Secretary/Treasurer
Global Marketing Director, CGS
Atlanta, GA
Dan Berzack
President
Sewn Products Equipment Co.
Jefferson, GA
Rolando Bohlemann
President
Schmetz Needle Corp
Medley, FL
Bert Feinberg
Vice President
Frontier Distributors/Phillocraft
Dallas, TX
Mike Fralix
President
[TC]2
Apex, NC
Martin Gopman
President
Universal Sewing Machine Co.
Miami, FL
Frank Henderson
President
Henderson Sewing Machine Co.
Andaulusia, AL
Rick Ludolph
President
Productive Solutions
Marietta, GA
Lenny Marano
Vice President, Product Management & Marketing Automation Systems
Gerber Technology, a Lectra Company
Tolland, CT
Nina McCormack
Chief Financial Officer
DAP America, Inc.
Norcross, GA
Michael Rabin
President
Morgan Tecnica America
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Eric Schlossman
General Manager
Consew
Miami, FL
John Stern
President
Methods Workshop
Palm Beach, FL
Meet Our Team
Michael McDonald
President
Michael McDonald is the President of SPESA. He is also currently completing his doctoral degree in Textile Technology Management at North Carolina State University (NC State) with a focus on workforce development in the manufacturing sector of the sewn products industry. While studying for his doctorate, he has served as adjunct professor, advisor for the Textile Apparel Technology Management Student Advisory Board, teaching assistant, and guest lecturer. Previously McDonald was Manager of Government Relations for the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). He was staff liaison for AAFA’s Product Safety Council, Government Contracts Committee, Brand Protection Committee, Financial Management Committee, Labeling and Transportation Mailing Lists. He oversaw a diverse array of issues as lead lobbyist including product safety, intellectual property, military contracting, domestic sourcing, environment & chemical management, corporate tax reform, transportation & infrastructure, patent reform, labor, state chemical regulations, international trade, and internet sales tax.
Maggie McDonald
Vice President, Communications
Maggie McDonald joined SPESA in January 2019, as Vice President of Communications. She oversees SPESA’s ongoing integrated communications strategy, including marketing, advertising, event promotions, social media and member and association awareness. A Raleigh, N.C. native, Maggie has spent nearly a decade working across multiple communication divisions including public affairs, public relations and brand marketing. Most recently, she managed brands on behalf of VFC Jeanswear and Hood River Distillers, where she served as an account director at a midsize N.C.-based agency named French | West | Vaughan. Prior, Maggie worked on behalf of major global brands including The Clorox Company, Hershey’s and FedEx, during her five year tenure at Ketchum’s Washington, D.C. practice. Maggie received her Master’s in corporate communication from the College of Charleston and a Bachelor’s in applied psychology from North Carolina State University.
Marie D'Avignon
Vice President, Operations
Marie D’Avignon joined SPESA in October, 2018, as Vice President of Operations. She is involved in SPESA’s member services, event planning, and marketing initiatives, and supports the SPESA President with managing day-to-day operations of the association. Most recently, Marie served as Writer and Member Communications Manager for the Washington, D.C.-based American Association for Justice. She was also previously Manager of Government Relations for the American Apparel & Footwear Association, leading initiatives in trade, sustainability, and supply chain and regulatory compliance. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., she worked at the North American Development Bank in her home state of Texas. Marie has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a Master’s in International Relations from Webster University’s global program.